Huddersfield Town are aiming to end a Boxing Day hoodoo by downing Preston North End at the John Smith's Stadium - but they'll have to be quick out of the blocks.

Preston have been stingy in defence and present a tough test for David Wagner's men.

We examine three individual duels that will help determine the destination of the points...

Nahki Wells v Tom Clarke

Nahki Wells celebrates his goal against Fulham
Nahki Wells celebrates his goal against Fulham

With five goals and two assists, Nahki Wells continues to lead the way for Town in front of goal – and he’ll need to be at his best if the Terriers are to get any change out of Preston.

Former Huddersfield defender Tom Clarke has spoken of his anticipation for the fixture, but he’ll no doubt have a point to prove and the North End skipper would love nothing more than a clean sheet on his return.

PNE have an enviable record defensively – conceding just 18 goals in 22 Championship games since promotion under former Town boss Simon Grayson.

However, although he started on the bench against Brentford, Wells made a big impact when he replaced Ishmael Miller at half time and, on another day, might have grabbed two or three goals against the Bees. He may have benefited from his rest and will be out to show Wagner he is well worthy of a starting spot.

Ben Chilwell v Daniel Johnson

PRESTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 12: Daniel Johnson of Preston North End during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Reading at Deepdale on December 12, 2015 in Preston, England. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images)

Six of Preston’s 17 league goals have all come from the boot of Daniel Johnson – and the tricky midfielder is likely to give inexperienced defender Ben Chilwell a tough test.

Town’s newest recruit turned 19 on Monday and his performances have belied his tender years, with Terriers fans clamouring for a permanent deal for the youngster after watching him excel on his first taste of senior league football at the John Smith’s Stadium.

The 23-year-old Johnson, however, has 61 first-team games under his belt and is likely to use all his nous to try and unsettle the Leicester loanee.

North End’s top scorer this term by some distance (Joe Garner has three strikes so far), Johnson can play on either wing or do his damage through the centre, but has tended to shine on the right.

Chilwell will need to be wary of his tendency to cut inside - every single one of his goals has been scored with his left foot.

Joel Lynch v Will Keane

Preston North End's Will Keane celebrates scoring his sides first goal Football League Championship Burnley v Preston North End 05/12/15 (Pic by John Rushworth) Football Images are covered by DataCo licence agreements. For Editorial Use Only No Free Use permitted.

Joel Lynch’s return to the side was greeted with almost universal relief in Huddersfield – and the defender showed why with his brilliant display to help the Terriers to a clean sheet against Rotherham in his first game back.

Town looked more assured and it was often his head rising highest to deal with the threat of set pieces – which have become a problem for David Wagner. Partnered alongside Mark Hudson at Brentford, the defence struggled without a Dean Whitehead or Jonathan Hogg sitting in front of them so Lynch will have to be at his best.

Striker Will Keane is on loan from Manchester United, and posed Leeds plenty of problems last time out. Normally employed as a forward, Keane can also drift between the lines and play a little behind Joe Garner.

He is sometimes used from the bench with good effect as opposing defences are tiring.